Chronic heart failure is associated with activation of the

Sustained hypertension can lead to several complications, including damage to the blood vessels in the retina (retinopathy), increased risk of stroke, and damage to the kidneys (renal disease). Other potential complications include heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and cognitive impairment. It is important to manage hypertension through lifestyle modifications and medication to prevent these complications.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is characterized by thickening of the myocardium (heart muscle). LVH occurs in response to increased afterload (the resistance the heart has to pump against), which is a common feature of hypertension.

Angiotensin II, a hormone that is activated in response to hypertension, is a major mediator of LVH in this setting. Angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and promotes the retention of salt and water, which increases blood volume and pressure. Additionally, angiotensin II stimulates the proliferation of cardiac myocytes (heart muscle cells) and the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to hypertrophy and fibrosis of the myocardium.

Other factors that may contribute to LVH in hypertension include increased sympathetic nervous system activity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. However, angiotensin II is considered a key mediator of this process, and drugs that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), such as angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), are often used to treat hypertension and reduce the risk of LVH and other cardiovascular complications.